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Asparagus Chicken Pasta

A fresh and satisfying dinner combining tender chicken, vibrant asparagus, and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed in basil pesto sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken

  • 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (sliced in half lengthwise)
  • 12 oz Dry Whole Grain Fettuccine (or linguine) Use whole grain for added fiber

Vegetables and Seasoning

  • 1 lb Asparagus (ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • 2 cups Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (divided)
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (divided)

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup Basil Pesto Adjust to taste.
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (divided)

Instructions
 

Cooking Pasta

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.

Cooking Chicken

  • While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken on both sides with half of the salt and pepper.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.

Sautéing Vegetables

  • In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and add the asparagus and cherry tomatoes.
  • Add the garlic, remaining salt, and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp.

Combining Ingredients

  • Add 1 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet, along with the pesto and the sliced chicken. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
  • Add the cooked pasta and toss with tongs to coat the noodles in the sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve hot garnished with additional basil or Parmesan cheese. A side salad or crusty bread pairs beautifully. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Keyword Asparagus, chicken, Healthy, pasta, Quick Dinner